Critic Reviews

Got it started yet? Okay, good. As you can tell, I thoroughly love this game. There isn't much fault you will find in it, except maybe the heightened difficulty for some gamers. The story finds that perfect balance between campy and cool, the music is awesome as always, and it's hard to overcome the joy you get from realizing that you're essentially playing a brand new NES game in 2008. This is definitely a must-have.

You have to appreciate what Capcom has pulled off with the release of Mega Man 9. Not many companies would be willing to take a chance on making an 8-bit game in an era where video games tend to look more like motion pictures than the pixelated affairs of the '80s. Sure, the game isn't much to look at and it's still odd to hear the NES-style music blaring through a Dolby Surround Sound system, but when you get right down to it, there's just something incredibly satisfying and unique about playing a completely original 8-bit Mega Man title almost 15 years since the last NES release. About the only thing that might be construed as a negative aspect might be the rather brutal difficulty of the game; this is definitely not a title for the faint of heart. If you're a classic Mega Man fan, then this is without a shadow of a doubt the game you've been waiting all these years for. And for those who never got the chance to experience the outstanding early releases, here's your chance.

Mega Man 9 is a fantastic game. The music is incredible, seven out of eight of its stages are amongst the best the series has ever seen, it has butt kicking extra features, a great story, and it's only ten bucks. It's damn tempting to just give the game a 10 and be done with it, because I do truly love Mega Man 9, more than I have loved any game in the series since Mega Man 2. Sadly, that doesn't change the fact that Mega Man 9 isn't perfect. Splash Woman's stage, and those other rare, uninspired mentioned above, all detract enough from the title to keep it from making it to the very top. Now if the team at Inti Creates can up their output just a notch higher in terms of consistent originality and creativity, I believe that Mega Man 10 could become the single greatest Mega Man game of all time.

Buy it, finish it, love it, because if this takes off we’re going to see a renaissance of new-old games. And if that happens, a whole new batch of gamers will grow up learning why rock-solid gameplay, not tera-flipping flop-bib shaders, make games truly exceptional.

About the only thing that might be construed as a negative aspect might be the rather brutal difficulty of the game; this is definitely not a title for the faint of heart. If you're a classic Mega Man fan, then this is without a shadow of a doubt the game you've been waiting all these years for. And for those who never got the chance to experience the outstanding early releases, here's your chance.

So what if it has a challenge level that'll eat you alive? So what if the graphics aren't "remixed"? The bottom line is Mega Man 9 relies on its old-school charms, and that's why it works. The gameplay, level design and presentation reek of classic Mega Man goodness, and the extra modes and downloadable content add to its already significant value.

Shameless and self-sustained, Mega Man 9 forgoes all the glitz and glamour in favor of a barebones nostalgic production indistinguishable from its 1980s brethren. The simplistic gameplay is leveraged to produce wickedly-challenging environments and battles, and it’s delightfully unforgiving. This is a game supported exclusively by its mechanics, challenge, and creative level design, and by that measure it is a great success.

Mega Man 9 isn't just a cheap attempt to cash in on nostalgia … it is a new Mega Man game, and one can only hope that Capcom's inevitable future attempts at 8-bit revivals are even half as successful. If you've got any of the three next-generation systems and a fondness in your heart for Mega Man, there is absolutely no reason not to spend the $10 for this game. Your inner child will thank you.

It’s hard to really criticize the game too harshly for being too hard, as most fans of the series do enjoy a challenge, but really it’s not going to appeal to the faint of heart, and it’s a shame Capcom didn’t just include a normal and expert mode instead; the more insane part is the fact that the DLC difficulty levels will only make the game harder! If you can look past the difficulty and dig the new (old) style, then by all means download this sadistic game that will no doubt have you hooked, regardless of how bad you are.

Mega Man 9 is an extraordinary accomplishment through and through and has come at the right time. In an age where high-definition graphics and sound have become the norm, it is games like The New Super Mario Bros. and Mega Man 9 receiving less flack because of their emphasis on simplicity and bringing everything back to their roots. If there’s any knock to this game, it’s that you have to actually buy the extra difficulties. Be that as it may, Mega Man 9 actually isn’t a finished product, as Capcom has said they will continue to add all sorts of features to the respective consoles’ shops. But however way you look at it, Mega Man 9 is an absolute must-download and is well worth the price(s) of admission.

Two years ago, I thought Mega Man, the original Mega Man, was finished. I was even hoping the series was dead – after Mega Man 8, I was afraid of where they'd take the series. But now? I want Mega Man 10. I'd love to see it much like MM9, because it's obvious that the inspiration is back. And Capcom has managed to capture the old spirit of the games and expand upon it. I might be a bit bitter about losing sliding, but I accept that as a small price to pay if it means making the game fun again. Mega Man 9 is more than a retro kick – it's an indication of why Capcom is one of the lions of the industry, a symbol of how good an action platformer can be even in this age, and a clear sign that a classic franchise is in top form again. Mega Man is back. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Mega Man 9 is a testament to how fun old-school gaming is. Sophisticated graphics, advanced A.I. and Hollywood voice actors can't match the intensity of Mega Man 9's difficulty and the masterful level design that goes into making a good game. I just wish that more developers would follow Capcom's lead in returning to gaming's roots. Mega Man was made for 2D and that's the way that he should stay. After more than ten years of waiting, Capcom finally realized what everyone else already knew. Better late than never.

Mega Man 9 is exactly what hardcore gamers were hoping it would be, as Capcom has come out of the gate with a game that's full of nostalgia and fan service, but also one that truly does rival the best in the franchise's 8-bit roots. If you look at this game as a time warp into the NES era, it's one of the top titles out there, as it's hard as hell, somehow fresh in design (even though there have been well over 100 Mega Man games in 15 years), and simply a blast to rip through.

Mega Man 9 is a fun and exciting adventure that rewards those willing to persevere with some of the most satisfying victories they will have claimed in recent times. Whether you’re looking to relive the trials of yesteryear or just want a lot of bang for your buck, you should give Mega Man 9 a shot. It won’t leave you feeling blue.

Taking Mega Man back to his 8-bit roots may seem like a step backward for the series, but I think it was the right move. Giving players a new experience that evokes the fond memories they had with the character in years past will go a long way to reinvigorating the franchise. That and having a new 8-bit-styled full game available for ten dollars is quite a bargain, considering how much it would have cost twenty or so years ago. Here's hoping this title will be successful, perhaps leading to more companies releasing new retro installments to beloved franchises.

Mega Man 9 succeeds in delivering an authentic retro experience, but that’s not to say it’s flawless. The length of many levels falls short when compared to previous titles in the series, and rather than pushing forward with a revamp like Bionic Commando Rearmed, Mega Man 9 instead focuses on recreating some fond memories. Still, it’s a solid buy for retro gamers, Mega Man fans, and those who complain modern gaming has gotten too soft.

Mega Man 9 is exactly what we asked Capcom for. Not only did they deliver a perfect NES era title, but we get tasty extras like DLC and challenges. For $10 you can’t really beat the gameplay experience of once again donning the blue helmet and blasting through to Dr. Wily’s weird vehicle contraption.

I'm still going to recommend you check out the title, though, because it shows that Capcom cares about its loyal fanbase and because it's such a well executed throwback to the series' roots. Besides which, it's DLC so it isn't like you're going to break the bank on it. However, with that said, I'm going to give you fair warning now that your gaming mettle will be tested and that, more likely than not, you will probably fail, over and over again.

So, some things change, and some things stay the same. My 2D platforming skills have certainly changed. For the worst. My time with Mega Man 9 has proved that conclusively. But some things stay the same, even when everything else moves on. For that, Capcom should be praised. Still, a 'next-gen' Mega Man would be so cool...

Mega Man 9 is a difficult game that is rewarding for fans of the series or anyone looking for a good old fashioned challenge. Capcom could have just churned out a shallow title to make a quick buck, but they put serious time and effort into this and it shows. While some of the difficulty can be unfair at certain points, when you beat the game, it feels like an accomplishment unto its own, and the challenges will keep you coming back to this for a while. On another note, the ending was one of my favorite parts of this game and without giving away any spoilers, long time fans should get a kick out of it. Like I said before though, newcomers to the series might want to try an earlier entry to the series first in order to prepare for the challenge Mega Man 9 offers. If the music is improved and some of the cheapness is toned down, then I will look forward to a Mega Man 10 if Capcom decides to take that route. Overall this is worth the 1000 Wii points if not more.

While, I definitely do not regret shelling out my ten bucks, some of the generation who didn’t grow up on 2D may not find a whole lot of action in this NES-styled game. My only hope is that a few newer gamers do give the game a shot and find some enjoyment in this little title. Mega Man 9 is made by a team of Mega Man lovers for a legion of Mega Man lovers. That may be great for me, but it may not make very many new fans.